Teaching English Language Vocabulary to EFL Learners in the Arab Region: A Preliminary Reading

Abstract

This study is intended to have an in-depth discussion on the chief subject of this research paper, which is the most appropriate method of teaching English language vocabulary to EFL learners in the Arab region. To conduct this study, the two researchers investigated and gathered a large set of notable sources of information and research papers having dealt with vocabulary instruction to find an answer to the main question of this study. Both researchers attempted to provide theoretical coverage of specific areas applicable to English language vocabulary instruction. This theoretical coverage investigated the basic methods and strategies employed by each one of them, which specialists have classified as specific media for teaching vocabulary. They are, in order, Grammar-translation, Direct Method, Audio-lingual, Total-physical Response and Communicative Learning. These methods have proven their efficiency, seriousness, quality, and practical validity in educational circles, whether there or here in the Arab region. However, these methods, despite their importance, did not prove their worth as did other simple techniques and strategies that were effective and more influential on the EFL learners. These include the use of visual aids, bi-lingual dictionaries, the introduction of repeated verbal/written drills and guesswork exercises to find the appropriate meanings of words or phrases. To attain such conclusions, the collected data ought to be comprehensive and insightful, with study results arising from detailed review of related literature.